BCV vs. Polynesian?

[BCVNovember]

Ok. I am down to the BCV and Poly for my choices. I have a reservation for a 2 bedroom villa at the BCV for the first week in November. I will be travelling with my 78 year old dad, and my 3 daughters, who will be 7 years old, 5 years old and almost 3 years old at the time of the trip. My dad will need his own bed, obviously. I will share a bed with one daughter, probably the almost 3 yo and the other 2 will share a bed. So if we go to the Poly we will need 2 rooms, as 2 queens and a daybed will not cut it. I don't want us to be crowded in one regular room either.

I like the location of the BCV, but I think I'd like the locatio of the Poly better. SAB is a plus for BCV, but with my daughters being so young, will they really appreciate it? Are the pools at the Poly any better for children?

Will it be more likely that discounts will be released for the Poly than the BCV for early November? Do they have connecting rooms at the Poly? How hard will it be to get adjoining/connecting rooms at the Poly?

I don't know why this is so hard!! Any input on these 2 resorts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Gottalovedisney]

BCVNovember,
Looks like we'll be at the BCV the same week This will be our first time staying at the Villas. We've also got ressies for a 2BR. It'll be me, DH, and 3 kids (13, 13, 8, yup twins). We went to Disney in December 2002 and stayed at the Poly. We really enjoyed the conveniece of the monorail and my kids loved the pool! Since it was our first time, I wanted to be close to the MK. However, this time, all three kids decided they wanted to be closer to Epcot and MGM. Plus SAB looks great! With ages of your children, I would assume you'll be spending most of your time at the MK. With three children, you can't beat the monorail! Plus, Epcot is just a short walk and a monorail ride away! The bus service was awesome when we were there, and it was Christmas week!!! The Poly was very laid back and relaxing. We loved the whole feel of the Poly and there's nothing like watching the MK fireworks from the beach! I think you'd LOVE it there You would need two rooms, the rooms are good size but like you said, only two queens and a daybed. I know they have connecting rooms, I don't think it'd be too difficult to get but I'm not sure they would "guarantee" it. I've heard there are usually more discounts for the Poly then any of the DVC properties. We got lucky and got the comeback rate so that's the only reason I can afford the Villa If not we'd definetly be back at the Poly. Hope I didn't ramble too long! Good luck with your decision. Maybe we'll see you at the Villas!
Tracy

 

[Kae]

I think that is a hard choice. the 2 bedroom at BVC sounds great you will have lots of room . kitchen , & washer & dryer which means you can pack less.

But the ages of you kids makes the location of the Poly a huge plus. The pool is very nice & kids seem to love the poly.

that all said I , (do not think I helped much). I would stay with BVC.

Kae

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I think I would stick with the BCV. It seems like a great layout for your family. And you know the rooms would be connecting.

The kitchen and washer and dryer are such great advantages. SAB has a shallow area with sand just for the young ones. They may be too young for the big slide, but I think they will still love it.

Another thing I love in the villas is the big jazucci tub!

 

[robinb]

I stayed at the Polynesian for 6 days and BCV for 5 days on my last trip with my 3 year old DD, so I can compare the 2 resorts with children . I liked both places. Both had advantages. I'm not sure which is the best for you, but here are what I like best about both resorts:

Polynesian

• Proximity to the Magic Kingdom. Monorail or boat to the MK, walk to the monorail for Epcot.
• Tropical feel, very laid back.
• Good snack shop, mug refills 24/7.
• Good sit-down restaurants.
• You can see the MK from the main pool.
• You can watch the MK fireworks and the nighly boat parade from your room (lagoon view only) or the beach.
• Request first floor rooms so you get patios v/s balconies. This will make your rooms seem bigger.
• Disadvantages v/s BCV: Laundry is very expensive ($4 per load) and time consuming. No kitchen. No living room,

Beach Club Villas

• Proximity to Epcot. Walk to the World Showcase in a few minutes. Boat or walk to MGM.
• The villas are set back from the rest of the hotel and are very quiet. (Disadvantage ... SAB and the main area is a long walk)
• SAB pool has a great sandy area for small children. (Disadvantage ... the pool is really big and may prove to be hard to keep an eye on all 3 kids at once.)
• Full kitchen ... save $$ on breakfast, snacks and beer .
• Washer and dryer in the unit.
• Boardwalk and Epcot within easy walking distance for meals.
• You may be able to watch the Epcot fireworks from your balcony.
• A 2 bedroom will give you a non-bedroom place to hang out together. you'll be able to put the kids to sleep and stay up and watch TV in the living room.

Good luck! I think you'll be happy with either resort!

 

[erikthewise]

We are owners at BCV, but stayed at Polynesian twice before joining DVC, and we will go back someday. Everyone should stay there at least once! If the last two years are any indication, there very likely will be nice discounts for Nov-Dec. You should definitely be able to get two rooms at the Polynesian for far less than the cash rack rate of a 2BR at BCV. It that's the choice you face, I'd definitely go with the Polynesian. BCV is going to be there for a long time.

It is possible there will be discounted rates at BCV as well, but that's far less certain.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

This has been an interesting thread for me. We are staying at the Poly and BCV's in a few days.

If I were you, and had to choose between the two, I would choose the 2 bedroom villa. I don't think there is anything better on property.

 

[BCV23]

We have stayed at the Polynesian since 1983 and own at BCV. I love both. Robin summed up the advantages of each very well and I agree with erikthewise's conclusion.

Storm along Bay is great BTW but unless your older two would be content staying in one place with your little one that would be the deciding factor for me. You can't possibly keep an eye on three children at once at that pool if the older ones want to swim off!

 

[TerriBelle]

My vote is BCV for the following reasons:

1) SAB - my kids have been here twice and both times I could not get them to leave. When my boys were 3 they loved the sand area, when they were 4 they loved the small slide on the pirate ship. My older daughter loved the big slide and she also enjoyed hanging out in the sand area building with her brothers. I think your girls would really enjoy SAB. We also used the quiet pools a few times because they are less crowded.

2) We loved all the extra room in a 2BR villa. Having a kitchen was nice. We never "cooked" but we did have breakfast in the room a few times and we always had the Peanut butter & jelly option for the kids!

3) We also went in November and usually at this time the MK closes early. Epcot is the only park open late. Being close to Epcot was nice because we could easily walk to Epcot at night and see the fireworks, parade, or get a snack!

4) Being things close so early, being near the boardwalk is also fun. My kids really enjoyed the different entertainers that are on the boardwalk at night. They also have face painters and the hair wrap.

I'm sure you will have a great trip at either resort!

 

[BCVNovember]

Well, I have decided to move the vacation dates up to late August and BCV is not available for the week I'm planning on now, so it looks like we'll be at the Poly (as soon as I change my reservations). Thanks to everyone for all their input!!! You guys are great!

 

[Bella2000]

I think you made a great choice. Both resorts are wonderful. I went through that exact same question last September with DH, MIL, 5yr old & 2 yr old. I initially thought of BCV but the discounts paying cash just weren't there. We ended up 2 rooms at the BC and then switching resorts to the 2 rooms at the Polynesian (Tokelau). I was able to get great rates at both resorts. While we love love love SAB and Epcot is a personal favorite - we should have just stayed at the Polynesian the whole trip as MK is where we spent the most time. They loved Epcot and MGM and the bus from the BC to MK was fine, you really just can't beat the monorail. We had connected rooms at both resorts with no issues..just remember what card opens what door...we had an "issue" one afternoon with the doors not opening
Another plus for the Polynesian is it's convenient to MK (monorail or GF/Polynesian boat) but also to Epcot (monorail to TTC and change or just walk to TTC and catch Epcot monorail).

Next trip will be our DVC trip to BCV and I can't wait! We are primarily going to see Holiday events MVMCP, CP and Osbourne. It will not be the extended family (just 1 room needed) so it will be more laid back and while we will go to MK, since we are DVC we know we will return and it is more laid back.

 

[BCVNovember]

Well, luckily I didn't cancel my BCV reservation this afternoon. There were second thoughts in my party, so we've decided to stick with BCV after all. I saw a picture of some kids playing in the sand at SAB this afternoon and it won me over. Plus the fact that it'll be better weather in November. Thanks again to everyone!

 

[robinb]

I'm glad you didn't change your mind or you'd have to change your name .

You'll have a great time at BCV . Make sure to self-park since the parking lot is actually closer to the rooms than the driveway where the valets bring the cars around to.